Forum Topic

Boris Johnson is short-listed for Mayor

Boris Johnson is one of four Conservative Party members to be shortlisted as a possible candidate for Mayor of London.The competitors will now take part in a primary election, in which anyone on the London electoral register may vote, whether they are members of the Conservative Party or not.The other three contenders on the shortlist are IT consultant and former Hackney councillor Andrew Boff; businesswoman and Kensington & Chelsea councillor Victoria Borwick; and economist Warwick Lightfoot, also a Kensington & Chelsea councillor.More than 40 applications for the Conservative mayoral candidacy were received. Anyone wishing to vote can register from Monday, regardless of whether they are a member of the Conservative Party,or any other party or no party at all.A postal vote will end on September 26 and the chosen candidate will be named at the end of the September.

David Giles ● 6905d25 Comments

Evan royals have cuckoo's in the nest how do we really know if they are entitled to be royal.

Dave Hughes ● 6880d

Sometimes people just know what buttons to push - can't you recognise a wind-up when you see one?

Vanessa Smith ● 6880d

No Boris is following the fine tory tradition and being up-standing as the other 2 candidates before him where.

Dave Hughes ● 6880d

I didn't say you did.  Blimey, calm down. I responded to his post not yours.  I was just joining in on the subject.I did find his comment on Phil being a Greek stud highly amusing though.  It made my laugh for about 10 minutes or so.

Conal Stewart ● 6880d

Conal"I always find it odd how some people moan about immigration purely on the basis that sounds much like "I was here first and I have a right to stop others copying me or my forefathers."  She does a reasonably good job of being head of state".Pray tell me where I have mentioned anything about immigration. you really must read it properly. I pointed out that we have Asian MP's and councillor's, and an Asian mayor quite often in the past,(always from the Labour Group!) in reply to Cllr.Connolly's ignorant remark, when he referred to the Queen as a "German Bint" and her husband as a "Greek stud", why he had to refer to her in this manner, who can say, it says everything about him? It was alleged that he was also unhappy with the minute silence after Princess Diana died"

Account suspended ● 6882d

Yes and that was with Blunkett's discarded seconds was it not?  You do wonder if Boris Johnson has any dignity or humility at all.

Conal Stewart ● 6882d

I don't see what the problem is.  This country is built on being a nation of wave after wave of immigrants. It has served us well and does so at this moment of time with massive skills gaps and jobs that Brits won't do anymore.  I always find it odd how some people moan about immigration purely on the basis that sounds much like "I was here first and I have a right to stop others copying me or my forefathers."  She does a reasonably good job of being head of state. Whilst I dislike the principle of any monarchy, she's quite a formidable character on the world stage and does her diplomatic duties rather well.  It's her son we should be worried about.  He seems to be her problem child and it worries me that he is first in line.

Conal Stewart ● 6882d

How about this for a contribution? "My friends, as I have discovered myself, there are no disasters, only opportunities. And, indeed, opportunities for fresh disasters" - One BoJo after he got caught playing away from home. Bit worrying that for someone who aspires to be Mayor of London.

Vanessa Smith ● 6882d

"The same people who selected the woman of German extract who is our head of state - no one" No she wasn't elected, I agree but it is one of our last remaining traditions that has lasted for a thousand years, Just look at the presidents from around the world who have been elected by their people. I know which I prefer.You seem obsessed with the head of state being of German extraction. For someone who sees' any comment about an ethnic minority as "racist", you seem to contradict yourself......... what is the problem?You were chosen to be a councillor in Hounslow, (and I have to admit a very knowledeable one), but I don't suppose any of those who elected you, worry themselves that you are of scottish extraction! Many of the councillors and MP's in the borough, are of asian extraction, and we are told continually that we live in a multi-racial/ miulti-cultural society!Our queen has served this country well, let's be thankful that we won't have a president inflicted upon us, we have enough bloody problems with an English Mayor of London!

Account suspended ● 6882d

If he wins, just watch the exodus of people out of London.

Conal Stewart ● 6882d

You confirm my posting - spoilt for choice.

Vanessa Smith ● 6900d

Vanessa,As usual your vitriol belies your beautiful name.And you have absolutely nothing useful to contribute to the discussion. The people of Hanworth Park and Isleworth have inded made a wise choice.

David Giles ● 6901d

Why would anyone think Boris Johnson would make a good London Mayor? Is it his artfully (for the cameras) ruffled blonde hair? His mastery of Latin and Ancient Greek? His public school background? Possibly it could be his dodgy friends like Darius Guppy, or even his less than faithful approach to marriage. This is a very desperate move on the part of 'David Cameron's Tories' (as I believe they are now called), and follows very close after their equally desperate showing in the Southall by-election. But with a Leader like Dave who nips off to Rwanda while his own constituency is flooded what else could we expect? It is hardly surprising that the latest opinion polls put Labour even further ahead.

Valerie Lamey ● 6901d

Yes, when it comes to pillocks the Tories are spoilt for choice.

Vanessa Smith ● 6901d

As David has demonstrated, we live in a theocracy with the head of state determined on the basis of heredity. Now that he is no longer prime minister Blair can consider joining a religion whose members are excluded by Act of Parliament from holding several offices of state, including PM.As to being able to vote in the Tory election for their candidate for Mayor, I have no interest in who that might be as I would not be supporting them in the subsequent proper election.By the way, why isn't the wonderful Tony Lit on the list for Mayor?

John Connelly ● 6901d

David, what exactly was "democratic" about the "election" that led to the Queen becoming head of state?  King George VI died, and immediately it was "The King is dead, long live the Queen".  There was never any question of anyone else becoming head of state.On the other hand, when Tony Blair decided to resign, the Labour Party held an election, but no voting was necessary because only one candidate was nominated.I notice that "democracy, Tory style" (for the London mayor primary) involves all prospective voters contributing to Tory funds, as registration has to be done by phoning a premium rate number at £1 per minute.  A 21st century Poll Tax!

Richard Jennings ● 6902d

Have I missed something ? We haven't got a Constitution as far as I know.

Vanessa Smith ● 6902d

JohnAs a matter of fact the present Queen's mother was Scottish and her father King George VI, though his family came from Germany many years ago, was certainly far more English than you or me ! Queen Elizabeth II was in fact elected as Head of State in accordance with the British Constitution and her election was ratified by Parliament.And blessed by the Church of England and the Chjurch of Scotland.That's far more than can be said for Ken Livingstone or his new Best Friend, Gordon Brown.The Queen has been elected Head of State by a far more transparent,legal and democratic process than the Prime Minister or the Labour candidate for Mayor of London.John- isn't it marvellous that you as a former Labour Party member, Mayor and Council Leader will be able to vote in the election to select the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London. That's democracy,Tory style.

David Giles ● 6902d

The same people who selected the woman of German extract who is our head of state - no one!

John Connelly ● 6904d

I would be grateful if someone could tell me if Ken Livingstone has been selected as the offical Labour Party candidate for Mayor again and if so what was the democratic process that selected him ? Or has it been another undemocratic Brownesque Coronation ?

David Giles ● 6904d

I think Red Ken does his fare share of insulting people like the Jews to name but one!!!!!!!!!!

Helen Fogarth ● 6904d

What's unpleasant about Ken? This is a man with a feel and affection for London the greatest capital city in the World. We may not always agree with him and I know I certainly don't, but I do trust him to do what is in this city's best interests, unlike BoJo who has made a career out of insulting people and generally being a plonker. What does it tell us that the Tories had to get on their knees to get a candidates? Barrels and scraping spring to mind! Is there a shadow of a doubt he will be the Tory candidate?

Vanessa Smith ● 6904d

Why is it that large cities/states vote for performers with large egos? It maybe because a city has a personality, which its residents want to be conveyed and reinforced and represented by a figurehead. Who better to do this than an actor/performer. I suppose as long as he/she has good people behind him and he defers to their advice, then it could work well.

Duncan Walker ● 6904d

If Boris wins, what a choice we will face - an amusing buffoon or an unpleasant buffoon!!!!

Mick Brent ● 6905d

Well - I never! Who'd have thought it?

Vanessa Smith ● 6905d